Our Six-Year Love, Her New Announcement

For six years, I was Ava Browns boyfriend and her assistant. I was with her from the day she had nothing to her name to the moment she became a star.
But on the night she won her fifth award, she stood on stage and announced her engagement to another man.
I owe all of my success to Codys support, she declared, a spotlight haloing her. He is the love of my life.
Her eyes, deliberately or not, flickered to where I stood in the corner of the crowd, a silent warning in their depths.
I walked out of the auditorium and dialed my familys number.
Dad, I said, my voice steady. I was wrong. Go ahead and find me a match for an arranged marriage.
My fathers joy was palpable. Forget the marriage! Your mother and I are just waiting for you to take over! Son, when are you coming home to run Vance Corporation?
A roar erupted from the auditorium behind me, punctuated by ecstatic screams of They kissed! My ship has sailed!
I smiled faintly. Soon. I should be home the day after tomorrow.

1
My father was stunned by my reply. Every time hed tried to persuade me to come home and inherit the business, Id shut him down, insisting that Ava was on the verge of greatness and my patience would soon pay off.
Well, shed found her greatness. I, however, hadnt been paid at all.
Just as I hung up, Ava emerged from a side exit, clinging to Cody as they slipped away from the throng of people. She saw me looking at my phone and frowned, walking over.
At that moment, a text from my father came through. To celebrate you getting your head on straight, I'm buying you a watch. Pick one. Hed sent photos from several elite brands. Every single one was a seven-figure timepiece.
Before I could reply, the phone was snatched from my hand.
I looked up. Ava was smiling. Well, youre catching on. I was just about to buy Cody a diamond watch.
She pointed to one of the photos. This one. Ill take this one for Cody.
Cody leaned down and kissed her cheek. Thanks, Ava! Then he turned to me with a saccharine smile. Thanks for taking care of Ava all these years, Leo. But you dont have to trouble yourself anymore. You can leave her to me now!
With that, he and Ava walked towards the media scrum that had chased them out. I watched them go, a sharp pain twisting in my chest.
As I was leaving, a message from Ava popped up: [Paparazzi at the back entrance. Be careful when you leave. And remember not to say anything you shouldnt. I dont want Cody to be harassed.]
I texted back: [I dont have the car keys.]
Her reply came half an hour later: [Im taking Cody for a drive. What do you need keys for? Figure out a way to distract the paparazzi yourself. No excuses for being lazy!].
I gave a bitter laugh and headed out anyway. The news of her engagement was explosive enough that most of the seasoned paparazzi had already snuck into the main hall. Only a few inexperienced stragglers were left waiting outside.
I tried to slip away unnoticed. The day had left me emotionally and physically exhausted. In my haste, I misstepped and twisted my ankle, forcing me to limp a long way before I felt safe enough to call a car.
At two in the morning, the incessant ringing of the doorbell woke me. I looked through the peephole to see a drunken Ava swaying on my doorstep.
The moment I opened the door, she fell into my arms, murmuring, Honey, Im a little hungry. Can you make me some of that soothing chicken broth?
In the past, whenever she had a late night of schmoozing, Id make her a pot of broth, worried about her stomach.
This time, I just pushed her away, my face a blank mask. Im tired. Order something.
Her drunken haze seemed to clear a little. Her expression soured. Leo Vance, have I been too nice to you? I told you beforehand this was a publicity stunt. I told you to stay calm and wait for my explanation. And now youre throwing a tantrum?
I met her gaze evenly. Then explain.
Her face flushed. After a few seconds of silence, she suddenly swept everything off the coffee table with a furious roar. Why are you doing this? Why now?! We agreed from the start! We said wed focus on our careers, and once I was successful, wed get married! I just won a major award, but Im still a long way from the top!
Being with Cody is for the buzz, for the exposure! If you cant help me, fine, but at least dont drag me down! Youre exhausting me!
She stormed out, slamming the door behind her.
I stood in the living room for a long time, a desolate coldness seeping into my heart. Six years, and it was still the same old line: wait until she was successful.
I took a deep breath.
If I still held onto any illusions after this, then whatever happened next, I would have no one to blame but myself.
It was time to get my head on straight.

2
Sleep was impossible now, so I scrolled through my phone and noticed an unread message from my father.
[Leo, about that musician girlfriend you kept insisting Stellar Records sign. I never thought she was right for you. I assume you dont want us to sign her now?]
To help Ava, I had relentlessly badgered my family for resources. Theyd finally given in and thrown a few contracts her way, helping her through her toughest period. But Id thought it wasnt enough. I demanded our familys record label, Stellar Records, sign her to a long-term deal.
Stellar Records had an incredibly high bar for talent. Based on Avas fame over the past couple of years, she didnt actually qualify.
But my love-addled brain hadnt cared. Id fought with my family for months, even giving them the silent treatment when they refused.
Finally, theyd relented, making a deal with me: if Ava won this years Musician of the Year award, they would sign her.
Thinking about it now, maybe I owed Ava a thank you for her little announcement today. If Id been the one to drag down Stellars reputation, Id be the familys greatest sinner.
I checked the time. My father was likely asleep. I decided to reply in the morning. But as I scrolled, I drifted into a hazy sleep on the couch.
I was jolted awake before seven by a commotion downstairs. I opened the bedroom door and stepped into the hallway. Before I even made it to the stairs, Ava, who had just come in, saw me and her face darkened.
Get back in your room, she snapped. The media is coming for an interview.
I was leaving tomorrow anyway and didnt want any more drama, so I turned to go back.
Wait! Go hide in the storeroom! she called after me. Theyll want to photograph the master bedroom. Go clean it up first. Make sure theres no sign a man has been living here. Hurry up!
She then turned and pulled Cody in from the doorway. What are you doing standing out there, silly?
I needed to pack my things regardless, so I didnt argue. I went straight to the master bedroom. The packing was done quickly. It was laughable, really. Id lived here for over two years, but the sum of my possessions was pitifully small.
When I emerged with my suitcase, Ava and Cody were flirting. The moment she saw me, her face hardened. What took you so long to pack your things? Fine, whatever. Just get in the storeroom. Now.
But I ignored her and walked toward the front door.
Ava panicked. She rushed over to grab me, yelling, Theyre almost here! Are you trying to get yourself killed walking out now?
I was sleep-deprived and weak. She easily dragged me to the storeroom, shoved me inside, and locked the door from the outside.
Dont come out until theyre gone!
Soon after, I heard the sounds of many people arriving. The noise was muffled; the villa shed bought after making it big had excellent soundproofing. I could hear her giving them a tour, her voice fading in and out as she moved from room to room, chattering away.
I hadnt eaten breakfast, and a gnawing hunger began to set in.
Nearly three hours later, the voices started to fade as the crew seemed to be leaving.
But after that, Ava didnt come back.
My stomach was now aching with hunger. I wanted to message her and tell her to let me out, but when I pulled out my phone, I saw the battery was dead.
I pounded on the door a few times, but it was useless. Ava hated having strangers in the house, so she only ever hired hourly cleaners. Most of the housework fell to me.
It was ten oclock at night when the door finally opened.
By then, I was lying on the floor, on the verge of passing out from hunger.

3
Ava looked down at me, not with concern, but with a disgusted frown. What are you being so dramatic for? Its just one day without food. Seriously?
I was too weak to argue. I just managed to part my lips.
Oh my, Leo, are you okay? Cody peeked out from behind Ava, his face beaming with unconcealed glee. Its all my fault. I told Ava I was craving the fish from that famous seafood place, so she drove an hour just to take me there. Thats why were back so late.
Ava waved a dismissive hand. Dont mind him. Its not the first time hes skipped a meal. Hell be fine.
Her words sent a chill through me. Id developed stomach problems years ago while running myself ragged trying to prove her talent to my parents, often forgetting to eat. To keep her from worrying, Id always pretended it was nothing. Back then, shed cried and promised that when she made it big, shed treat me to the finest food in the world.
Now, that memory had become a knife she used to stab me.
A loaf of bread was tossed onto the floor in front of me.
Cody was kind enough to remember you probably hadnt eaten, so he had me bring this back for you. You should be grateful.
I didnt have the energy to fight. I grabbed the bread and wolfed it down, choking in my haste. I scrambled to the kitchen, grabbed the nearest cup, and filled it with tap water, gulping it down until I could breathe again.
Cody burst out laughing behind me. Leo, you looked like a starving ghost just now!
I turned around. He stuck his tongue out playfully. Oops, sorry. Im just a really direct person. I say what I think. No hard feelings.
Ava soothed him. Its fine, you werent wrong. He looked like he hadnt eaten in a decade. How can he blame you for pointing it out?
She glanced at me. Full now? Good. I have something to tell you.
Cody and I are engaged now. Hell be living here, so its not convenient for you to stay. You can move out tonight.
I stared at her in disbelief. Its ten-thirty at night, were in a suburb with no cabs, and you want me to leave now?
And you locked me up all day, my phone is dead! Where am I supposed to go at this hour?!
Ava ran a hand through her hair, annoyed. But the moving company is coming tomorrow. Itll be awkward if they see you here!
Ugh, just figure something out. I can call a car for you. Once youre in the city, you can charge your phone and find a motel or something for the night. Dont worry, its a safe society, the ride-shares are all regulated. Nothing will happen.
I watched her, my gaze cold, as her expression shifted from evasive to furious.
What the hell do you want?! she shrieked. Stop looking at me like that!
Cody stepped in, the picture of reason. Ava, why dont we let Leo stay for one more night? He can just leave early in the morning.
Her face softened instantly for Cody. She turned back to me, her tone sharp. Codys helping you out again. Youd better be more polite to him in the future. Fine. Be gone by six no, five in the morning!
And dont sleep in the bedroom tonight. Just crash on the sofa. Itll be easier for you to leave early.
Im being generous enough. Dont push your luck!
No need, I said, my heart a dead weight. Just give me twenty minutes to charge my phone. Ill call a car and be gone tonight.
Cody put on a show of concern. Dont do that. Its not really safe to get a car this late.
Right. As if calling one at five in the morning in the dead of winter, when its pitch black, would be any safer.
Avas eyes narrowed suspiciously. What are you planning now? Im warning you, if you try to pull anything at a time like this, dont blame me for being ruthless.
I promise I wont cause any trouble, I said coolly. Just let me charge my phone. Please?
Cody started to protest again, but Ava stopped him. If he wants to leave today, let him. Ungrateful jerk.
She pulled Cody away. Come on, let me show you the master bedroom.
He wrapped his arms around her, grinning. Great. I want to see where my future wife and I will be sleeping.
Stop it! I havent said Ill marry you yet!
I silently plugged in my phone. The moment it turned on, a flood of messages appeared, all from my parents.
[Leo, please answer your dad. Are you angry?]
[Son, dont be mad. I talked to your father. If you want that woman signed to Stellar, well do it. The company can handle one person.]
[Son, please talk to me. Dad knows he was wrong. Ill have her come in to sign the contract tomorrow!]
I clutched the phone, tears blurring my vision. All this time, I had poured everything I had into Ava, while completely ignoring the people who truly cared about me.
Looking at the long list of messages, I sniffled and sent them both a voice message, telling them not to worry and under no circumstances to sign Ava. I kept it brief, not wanting to worry them further, and just asked them to send a car to pick me up.
They didnt ask any questions. As soon as I gave them the address, they said they were on their way.
Just then, Ava walked over. Seeing my red-rimmed eyes, she sneered. Are you serious? It was just a small grievance. Once this blows over, youll still be my boyfriend. If you want to maintain our relationship during this time, as long as youre careful
Thirty minutes, I cut her off.
Ava blinked. What?
The car picking me up will be here in thirty minutes, I said flatly.
For a moment, her expression was complex. Dont call some shady car service just to spite me. If you have to, just stay here one night. Tomorrow
I closed my eyes and leaned back against the sofa.
Avas words died in her throat. She huffed. Fine. Sulk all you want. Dont blame me if something happens to you.
The car my parents sent arrived even faster than Id expected. The moment I heard the familiar purr of the engine, my eyes snapped open. I grabbed my suitcase and headed for the door.
From behind me, I heard Avas hesitant voice. Whats the rush? That might not even be your
And Codys syrupy tone. Let it go, Ava. Leos feeling awkward. Just let him leave. Hes been with you for so long, you have to protect his pride a little.
I ignored the wretched pair, flung open the door, and walked out to the Bentley Mulsanne waiting in the driveway.

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